once they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once they" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition or a point in time when something will happen after a specific event involving "they." Example: "Once they finish their project, they will present their findings to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Once they were Italian.

The New York Times

Once, they were itinerant.

The New York Times

"Once they were further ahead.

The New York Times

Once they can, they'll resume".

The New York Times

"Once they cheat, they're done".

The New York Times

Well, once they did.

The Guardian - Film

Once they ran between right and left.

The Economist

Once they establish contact, the mission proceeds.

The New York Times

And another 10 once they are served.

The New York Times

ONCE they lobbied hard to join NATO.

The Economist

Once they did, we got into it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "once they", ensure the sentence clearly indicates the action or event that must occur before the subsequent clause takes place. Clarity in sequence is key.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the timing of events is clear. Do not use "once they" if the sequence is unclear or if the events happen simultaneously.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once they" functions as an adverbial clause of time, introducing a condition that must be satisfied before the action in the main clause can occur. This is supported by Ludwig, indicating the phrase is a functional element in complex sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "once they" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial clause that establishes a temporal condition. Ludwig AI analysis shows it's most common in News & Media sources. To avoid ambiguity, clarify the sequence of events when employing this phrase. Remember that the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts but maintain a clear temporal connection. Considering these points will enhance the precision and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after they have

This alternative emphasizes the completion of an action before something else occurs.

as soon as they

This alternative highlights the immediacy of the subsequent event.

when they

This alternative is a more general way to indicate a point in time.

upon their

This option uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the moment something happens.

following their

This alternative emphasizes the sequence of events.

subsequent to their

A formal phrasing to highlight the chronological order.

afterward they

Focuses on what happens in the time that follows.

on the occasion they

This version is more formal, specifying a particular instance.

in the event that they

Suggests a more conditional or hypothetical scenario.

given that they

This option provides a reason or condition for what follows.

FAQs

How to use "once they" in a sentence?

Use "once they" to introduce a dependent clause that specifies a condition that must be met before the main clause can occur. For example, "Once they arrive, we can start the meeting."

What can I say instead of "once they"?

You can use alternatives like "after they", "as soon as they", or "when they" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "once they will"?

No, it's generally incorrect to use "will" immediately after "once they". Use the present tense instead to refer to a future event. For example, "Once they decide, we'll proceed."

What's the difference between "once they" and "if they"?

"Once they" implies that something will happen, given a condition is met, whereas "if they" indicates a possibility or condition that may or may not occur. "Once they agree" suggests their agreement is anticipated. "If they agree" indicates uncertainty about their agreement.